May 5th, 2006

It was a bright and early start when around 40 blurry eyed divers and entourage began descending on Dibba Port  for an adventurous day of diving and snorkeling ahead.  Unbeknown to this first time Dhow tripper, these event tend to run like a well oiled machine, thanks to the efforts of the Dive Marshall and team, from the comprehensive joining instructions to loading of the Dhow - dive gear here, tanks there, cool boxes in a third line and perhaps we should have a spot for dry bags too? Form a line and lets get the gear on ..... by 0730hrs  we were all aboard (some speciously Germanic tendencies having outed themselves as those first onboard dashed up top to bag a chair under the precious shade) and we were ready for the off. Only one family still to join, having had the misfortunate of traveling in convoy with another couple whose 6 year old's projectile vomiting in the brand new 4x4 meant Dad and family had to abandon the day and drive back to  Dubai . After the threatened ritual humiliation for being late was delivered to the offending late comers, we were on our way - to the backdrop of various theories as to the best way of removing child vomit smells from a 4X4  (no hope I am afraid).

A relaxed atmosphere ensued as we made our way up to the dive sights. The crew's brave attempt to culturally educate those onboard as to the finer points of Arabic dance music were shot down in flames - and blissful silence was resumed. Before long the first wave of divers were being decanted into the "Speedboat" which left to go ahead of the Dhow's leisurely pace - although this turned into a bit of a trek with engine troubles making them no doubt regret their eagerness to get into the water.

Just before arriving at the first dive sight of Ras Marovi, a star appearance by a dolphin cruising the bow wave had everyone on board delighted.  Then we were there and two waves of divers kitted up - the summer was certainly on its way and we were relived to get into the water to start the first dive - a lovely wall with the usual abundance of teaming life that the Mussandam offers those in the know. Lobsters, red tooth trigger fish, parrot fish and Arabian Angelfish and a multitude of soft and hard corals delighted my buddy and I.  A sneaky appearance of a cuttlefish made my dive along with a Conchie revealed by a handy torch, hiding in a crevice. 

Back on the dhow and pit stop for sandwiches before we were off to the 2nd site, the cave near Fish head Rock. The swim through back out of the cave added a touch of adventure to those new to this dive site, followed by more of the same abundance of marine life. All to soon we underway and starting the journey back. A hash-esk gathering of divers for the award presentations finished off the day and the following awards handed out to the lucky precipitants:        

Treasure Hunter - Illya VDW

Youngest Crew - Owen Wakeham - poor dear, bitterly disappointed not to be given the beer down down - clearly an excellent diver in the making.

Tankless             - Peter Burge - (You mean you have to bring your own??!)

Hangovers          - Derek Adams/Tania Emery - in true club tradition!

Slept In                - Dave de Marneffe  - the unlucky convoy member

Empty Tank        - Steve Manthorpe - Nice one!

Brilliant DM         - Marion Wagg - good job!

All too soon we were back in port, unloading and on our way home after a lovely relaxing and well organised day!